Challenges and Research Opportunities for Integrating Quantitative Electroencephalography Into Sports Concussion Rehabilitation.

Although concussion management and return to play/learn decision making focuses on reducing symptoms, there is growing interest in objective physiological approaches to treatment. Clinical and technological advancements have aided concussion management; however, the scientific study of the neurophysiology of concussion has not translated into its standard of care. This expert commentary is motivated by novel clinical applications of electroencephalographic-based neurofeedback approaches (eg, quantitative electroencephalography [QEEG]) for treating traumatic brain injury and emerging research interest in its translation for treating concussion.

Association between days for concussion recovery and initial specialty clinic evaluation within 48 hours.

Background: Researchers have highlighted the importance of early access to concussion care within one week of injury in reducing recovery times. However, a persisting question for concussion researchers is "just how early is important?" The purpose of this study was to examine differences in recovery time as predicted by the number of days elapsed since injury (DSI) to initial evaluation among patients who had access to a specialty concussion clinic within seven days. We hypothesized that DSI group membership, even within seven days, would significantly predict risk of protracted recovery (i.

Comparison of Prescribed Physical Therapy to a Home Exercise Program for Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion Patients.

The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to compare sports-related concussion (SRC) recovery time in protracted recovery (≥28 days) patients who were prescribed physical therapy (PPT) with those who were only provided a home exercise program (HEP). We hypothesized PPT would be associated with shorter recovery times relative to HEP. Associations were evaluated with multivariable zero-truncated negative binomial regressions.

Machine learning to predict sports-related concussion recovery using clinical data.

Objectives: Sport-related concussions (SRCs) are a concern for high school athletes. Understanding factors contributing to SRC recovery time may improve clinical management. However, the complexity of the many clinical measures of concussion data precludes many traditional methods.

Exploring Vestibular/Ocular and Cognitive Dysfunction as Prognostic Factors for Protracted Recovery in Sports-Related Concussion Patients Aged 8 to 12 Years.

Objective: To explore the prognostic ability of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS), King-Devick (K-D) Test, and C3 Logix Trails A and B to identify protracted recovery from sports-related concussion (SRC) in patients aged 8 to 12 years.

Design: Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting: Specialty pediatric sports concussion clinic.

Evaluation of the vestibular and ocular motor screening (VOMS) as a prognostic tool for protracted recovery following paediatric sports-related concussion.

Objective: To understand the relationship between initial vestibular and ocular motor screening (VOMS) and recovery time, and the utility of VOMS to screen for protracted recovery in youth/adolescent patients with sport-related concussion (SRC).

Methods: Participants (8-18 years) who were diagnosed with an SRC within 7 days of the injury were administered the VOMS test by certified medical personnel. Recovery time (days) and protracted recovery (>30 days) were the primary outcomes.

Microhemorrhages in Professional Motocross Athletes: A Case Series.

Introduction: Motocross is a sport in which riders race 250-450 cc four-stroke dirt bikes and are potentially subjected to a high frequency of head injuries starting at a very young age. The objective of this case series is to present the findings following gradient echo T2-weighted MRI (SWI) upon clinical evaluation after a concussion in 4 young professional motocross racers.

Clinical Findings: Microhemorrhages were found in 2 of 4 riders.

Association Between Concussion History and Factors Relating to Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Health Among American High School Athletes: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

Background: The cognitive, behavioral, and emotional deficits that may be associated with sports-related concussions among adolescents are unclear.

Purpose: To examine the association between reported concussion history and factors relating to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health among a population-based sample of US high school-aged adolescents.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Management and Treatment of Concussions via Tele-Concussion in a Pediatric Setting: Methodological Approach and Descriptive Analysis.

Background: Approximately 2 million children in the United States sustain a concussion annually, resulting in an economic impact as high as US $20 billion. Patients who receive treatment at concussion specialty clinics, versus primary care, experience faster recovery, thereby reducing patient burden and subsequent medical-related costs. Accessibility to specialty clinics is typically limited by the availability of in-office visits.

A Physiologically Based Approach to Prescribing Exercise Following a Sport-Related Concussion.

Clinical management of concussion has evolved over the last 20 years, and complete cognitive and physical rest remains a common clinical recommendation. The duration of rest may vary widely, from 24-48 h to several weeks or until the patient's symptoms have resolved or returned to near baseline levels. Following a period of rest, a stepwise progression of exercise is used for gradual return to play or to work.

Test Performance and Test-Retest Reliability of the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening and King-Devick Test in Adolescent Athletes During a Competitive Sport Season.

Background: The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) and King-Devick (K-D) test are tools designed to assess ocular or vestibular function after a sport-related concussion.

Purpose: To determine the test-retest reliability and rate of false-positive results of the VOMS and K-D test in a healthy athlete sample.

Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Traumatic axonal injury and persistent emotional lability in an adolescent following moderate traumatic brain injury: A case study.

A 15-year-old male was treated secondary to sustaining a moderate traumatic brain injury (moderate TBI). Symptom self-report, and computerized and paper-and-pencil-based neurocognitive, vestibular/ocular motor, and imaging data were used throughout to document impairment and recovery. The patient demonstrated persistent emotional lability concurrent with vestibular impairment.